What is it that makes you feel deeply vulnerable?

Today's work requires a new leadership paradigm. This article, a study based on 64.000 people around the world, reveals that both men and women leaders should incorporate more feminine values.

“If people have grown cold on male-dominated structures and leadership, they offer a solution: Two-thirds of survey respondents felt that "The world would be a better place if men thought more like women", including 76% of the French and Brazilians and 70%of Germans.”

New York artist Sophia Wallace wants everyone to be cliterate. Wallace's project entitled "Cliteracy" includes "100 Laws of Cliteracy," street art about the organ, as well as a "clit rodeo" that involves an interactive installment of a giant golden clitoris. Her artwork has a much broader focus than sexual pleasure.

"It is a curious dilemma to observe the paradox that on the one hand the female body is the primary metaphor for sexuality, its use saturates advertising, art and the mainstream erotic imaginary. Yet, the clitoris, the true female sexual organ, is virtually invisible," Wallace told Creem magazine earlier this year.

3. Brené Brown On Why Courage, Vulnerability And Authenticity Have To Be Practiced via Huff Post

Brené Brown champions the feminine virtues of authenticity and vulnerability. Her work gives people permission to be themselves, and that’s probably the greatest gift anybody could give.

In the interview, published in Origin Magazine, and picked by Huff Post, we talked about taking risks. Brené exposed the painful ways we “say ‘yes’ when we mean ‘no’, and say ‘no’ when we mean ‘hell yes.’” She invites us to get in the arena and “get (our) ass kicked on occasion” — all in the name of living our truth.

This article tells the moving story of two women entrepreneurs who decided to be honest and acknowledge the difficulties, challenges and frustrations of starting your own business. Jessica Lybeck and Erin Hopmann, founders of Dabble, created a blog called “30 Days of Honesty” where they allowed themselves to be vulnerable, authentic and admit their day to day struggles. Stella Fayman, a serial entrepreneur, believes that their decision is a bold and inspiring move: "I applaud them for their integrity and authenticity in sharing such a harrowing time with the public. If only we could all be a little bit more honest, we could help each other and solve our own problems much more quickly."

In this article, Georgeta Dragoiu, managing director and co-founder of MDC Strategies, talks about the cruel realities immigrant women have to face when trying to pursue their dreams. She explains:

“While money isn’t always the solution, it is certainly a key part of the problem. For many women, believing they can lean in to a career, rather than multiple low-paying jobs, starts when they’re exposed to alternate realities. They need a sense of community that extends beyond others who sound or look like them, and that can help them see new opportunities. That’s why we should make sure the debate on women’s empowerment doesn’t leave out those who can’t afford the same set of choices.”

6. Dear Marissa Mayer Critics: It's Time To Rally Around Great Leaders Everywhere via Fast Company

Caroline Ghosn discusses the recent controversial appearance of Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo!, in a feature in September’s issue of Vogue. Caroline explains:

“At the end of the day, perpetrating this culture of intense scrutiny--especially as it is applied to unconventional-looking leaders--makes us all the poorer. All we are doing is continuing to validate the noxious benchmark that leaders need to look and act a certain way.‬”

What is it that makes you feel deeply vulnerable?

What do you think? Let us know below.

Elizabeth

Being financially strapped leaves me feeling deeply vulnerable. Post holding-it-all-together (illness of a child, confrontation with ex-spouse or family member) leaves me depleted and vulnerable. Perfect time to have found this question, as yesterday I was having what I call (others may too) a V-day.

Emerging Women

Emerging Women supports and inspires women to express themselves authentically by providing the tools, knowledge, and network for women to lead in a way that integrates core feminine values like connection, collaboration, intuition, empathy and heart. We are a global platform for leaders and entrepreneurs to catalyze their vision, create powerful connections, and explore the many issues that women in business face today. We offer international events, networking circles, and online content that build community and know-how for women leaders.